SEOUL - A B-52 strategic bomber from the United States participated in military exercises with South Korea on Friday, according to officials in Seoul. This demonstration of military strength comes amidst the ongoing tensions following North Korea's failed launch of a spy satellite.

Alongside the bomber, the U.S. military also deployed F-16 and F-15 fighters for the drills, while South Korea contributed F-35 and KF-16 jets, as reported by the South Korean defense ministry. Earlier this month, North Korea's attempt to launch its first spy satellite was unsuccessful, resulting in emergency alerts and brief evacuation warnings in certain parts of South Korea. However, the booster and payload of the satellite ended up falling into the sea shortly after liftoff.

The recent joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, along with the arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered cruise-missile submarine in South Korea after a six-year gap, highlight the increased frequency and intensity of U.S. strategic asset deployments, according to the South Korean defense ministry.

These drills serve to strengthen the combined defense posture of the allies by enhancing interoperability between the advanced conventional forces of South Korea and the extended deterrence force, which includes the U.S. nuclear capabilities. This commitment was emphasized in a statement by the ministry. Since March, the two countries have been conducting various training exercises, involving activities in the air and at sea, such as the participation of a U.S. aircraft carrier and B-1B and B-52 bombers.

North Korea has criticized these exercises, labeling them as preparations for war and accusing the allies of engaging in "nuclear blackmail." In April, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed during a summit to increase the deployment of American strategic assets as part of measures to effectively respond to North Korea's weapons tests.